Three cities from the United Arab Emirates — Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Dubai — have been ranked among the world’s 10 safest cities, according to the latest global safety rankings based on the Numbeo Safety Index. The list highlights the strong presence of Gulf cities in global safety rankings and underscores the UAE’s reputation for maintaining low crime rates and a secure environment for residents and visitors alike.
The ranking places Qingdao in China at the top of the list, followed closely by Abu Dhabi, which secured the second position globally. Doha in Qatar ranked third, while Sharjah and Dubai took the fourth and fifth spots respectively. Other cities in the top ten include Taipei in Taiwan, Manama in Bahrain, Muscat in Oman, and two Dutch cities — The Hague and Eindhoven.
The results are derived from the Numbeo Safety Index, which compiles data based on surveys completed by users of the platform. The index evaluates cities using indicators such as perceived safety when walking alone during the day or night, concerns about theft, robbery, harassment and other forms of crime. The findings are intended to offer a broad comparison of safety conditions across cities worldwide.
Among the UAE cities featured on the list, Abu Dhabi continues to stand out for its consistently high safety scores. The city has frequently ranked among the safest urban centres globally and is known for its low crime levels, strict law enforcement and strong security infrastructure. Recent assessments have even placed the UAE capital at the top of global safety rankings for several consecutive years, reflecting the effectiveness of policing strategies and technological integration in public safety systems.
Sharjah, the cultural capital of the UAE and one of the country’s largest cities, also secured a place in the top five. The city’s reputation for safety has been strengthened by strong local governance and community-focused policies that contribute to a stable living environment. Dubai, one of the world’s most visited tourist destinations and a major business hub, also features prominently in the rankings, further reinforcing the UAE’s image as a secure destination for expatriates, tourists and investors.
The prominence of Gulf cities in the list highlights the region’s growing focus on security, urban management and quality of life. Cities such as Doha, Manama and Muscat also feature among the safest globally, demonstrating how the Gulf Cooperation Council region has emerged as a benchmark for urban safety in recent years. Experts say that proactive policing, surveillance systems, strict laws and strong governance structures have played a key role in maintaining low crime rates across these cities.
Despite the strong performance of individual UAE cities, the country itself does not appear among the top ten safest nations globally in another ranking based on the Global Peace Index. According to that list, Iceland remains the safest country in the world, followed by Ireland and New Zealand, with Austria and Switzerland also ranking among the most peaceful nations.
The inclusion of three UAE cities in the global top ten nevertheless reflects the country’s continued emphasis on public safety and urban security. The rankings also reinforce the UAE’s growing appeal as a destination for international travellers, expatriate communities and businesses seeking a stable and secure environment.
